- Today's Word
Moxie
[MOK-see]
Definition
- (noun) Courage, determination, and energy. It describes a person’s ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage, often implying a combination of nerve, skill, and confidence.
Example
Despite being new to the company, Sarah showed real moxie when she stood up to the CEO and pointed out the flaws in his proposed strategy.
Fun Fact
The word “moxie” originated as a brand name for a soft drink created in 1876 by Dr. Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts. The carbonated beverage was marketed as a nerve tonic and claimed to cure various ailments. The drink’s advertising emphasized its ability to build courage, thus the word “moxie” gradually entered the American lexicon as a term for courage and verve. Interestingly, Moxie was one of the first mass-produced soft drinks in the United States, predating Coca-Cola by about a decade.
(noun) A state of pleasant tiredness or dreamy inactivity; a soft, luxurious lack of energy or motivation.
The long afternoon, the slow ceiling fan, and the smell of rain left her in a state of deep, contented languor.